Dad charged with assaulting 5-year-old son (Attlesboro, Massachusetts)

Dad is identified as JOHN SPANGLER.

http://www.turnto10.com/story/22422718/father-charged-with-abusing-autistic-son

Father charged with abusing autistic son

Posted: May 25, 2013 1:22 PM EDT
Updated: May 25, 2013 1:22 PM EDT

By Brian Crandall

ATTLEBORO, Mass. - John Spangler is locked up after North Attleboro police accuse him of beating his 5 year old autistic son. The boy reportedly had bruises on several parts of his body.

Spangler is now being held on $500,000 bail after appearing in court Friday on charges including assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a child, and assault and battery on a person with an intellectual disability.

At his home, the mother of the boy told NBC10 Spangler needs help and that the children are ok.

The Attleboro Sun Chronicle reports Spangler has twice done jail time in the past few years for assault.

According to the paper, Spangler's lawyer in this case says he denies assaulting his son, instead claiming the boy hurt himself.

 The Sun Chronicle also reports there are questions over whether the school the boy attends should have notified authorities after the boy once came to school with a black eye and with marks on his neck another time.